Ibrox debutants & on-song Hearts - things to watch in Premier Sports Cup

Celtic beat Rangers on penalties to win last season's competition

Knockout football has veered into view this weekend with the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.

Holders Celtic got the ball rolling on Friday with a 4-1 win over Falkirk, while third-tier Alloa Athletic's reward for topping their group is a visit to Ibrox to take on Russell Martin's stumbling Rangers.

Ayr United visit Championship rivals Partick Thistle, Aberdeen are away to another second-tier side in Greenock Morton, with relegated St Johnstone hosting top-flight Motherwell.

Off the back of Thursday's European action, Dundee United and Hibernian visit Premiership opposition in the shape of Kilmarnock and promoted Livingston, respectively.

Here's what to look out for across the eight matches...

Can Hearts maintain perfect start under McInnes?

Derek McInnes made it clear in his pre-match news conference on Wednesday that he is targeting silverware in his first season with Hearts, who haven't won this competition since 1963.

Hearts don't have the best record in Paisley but can take heart from a gritty Scottish Cup win on penalties there last season. They also go into the match off six straight wins, having beaten two of last season's top-six Premiership teams already.

They have an opportunity to take a third scalp against St Mirren and McInnes was bullish when asked about his team's prospects in the cup competitions.

"I've said this to them a few times. There's not one player should have signed for Hearts without having that aspiration to win a trophy here," the former Kilmarnock and Aberdeen boss said.

"If we don't win the cup, it doesn't mean we were wrong to say it. I don't think you're setting yourself up for a fall. We do believe we're good enough to go the full way and there's no point believing otherwise."

The head coach has talked the talk. His team now need to walk the walk.

Rangers debuts for Moore & Aasgaard?

Mikey Moore is on loan at Rangers from Tottenham Hotspur

Patterns have emerged in Russell Martin's six competitive games in charge of Rangers this season, some unwanted.

Ridiculous amount of shots faced in some matches and slow, ponderous build-up play, particularly against teams favouring a low block.

One imagines that will be Alloa Athletic's gameplan at Ibrox in Saturday's evening kick-off.

However, Martin said before Tuesday's defeat by Viktoria Plzen that summer signings Thelo Aasgaard and Mikey Moore could both be fit to make debuts this weekend, while Hamza Igamane could return.

Will Martin make sweeping changes and grant opportunities to fringe members of his squad or will he look to build understanding and favour continuity?

How will United & Hibs cope after European travails?

Both Dundee United and Hibernian were in Conference League qualifying action on Thursday evening, but with mixed fortunes.

While Hibs progressed to the play-off round with a 4-3 aggregate win against Partizan after extra time, United endured the agony of defeat on penalties after being tied 4-4 with Rapid Vienna following 210 minutes of football.

The packed schedule that accompanies European football is a significant challenge for teams as they attempt to maintain domestic form while attempting to secure a group-stage spot and the riches that brings.

United have taken one point from the two league matches that have immediately followed their European efforts this season, while Hibs have had more joy having claimed four points.

With both facing top-flight opposition on the road this weekend, their squad depth will be tested again.

Can 'mature' Kirk down Motherwell?

Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland

Having completed his multi-million pound move from Motherwell to Udinese, the spotlight won't fall on Lennon Miller, when his former club travel to St Johnstone on Saturday.

So perhaps it will fall on another talented youngster - 21-year-old Saints striker Makenzie Kirk.

The Perth side may have been relegated from the Premiership last season, but Kirk caught the eye, netting 11 times.

St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari has confirmed there has, unsurprisingly, been transfer interest in the Northern Irish striker.

He added: "These players are very rare and to have a player at his age who still has a lot of potential to fulfil - of course there will be interest.

"He is our player, we don't have the urgency or panic to sell. I would be more than happy if he is our player when this window closes."

Despite being in and out of the Saints starting XI this season, he has still scored four goals.

"He has been top notch, pushing very hard every day - that tells me he is young in age but mature in his head," Valakari said.

Both Kirk and his Finnish manager will hope that hard work pays off as the Perth side seek a quarter-final spot.